The Country Music Association has apologized for and lifted CMA Awards media guidelines restricting what reporters can and cannot ask during next week’s red carpet.
The CMA’s communications department issued the following note on Friday (Nov. 3):
“CMA apologizes for the recently distributed restrictions in the CMA Awards media guidelines, which have since been lifted. The sentiment was not to infringe and was created with the best of intentions to honor and celebrate Country Music.”
The media agreement, sent Thursday, outlined topics that were forbidden on the red carpet, including asking artists about gun rights, politics and the Las Vegas shooting. “If you are reported as straying from these guidelines, your credential will be reviewed and potentially revoked via security escort,” a note at the top of the multi-page guidelines read.
News of the restrictions was widespread, with several artists openly criticizing or mocking them, most notably CMA Awards co-host Brad Paisley, who said: “I’m sure the CMA will do the right thing and rescind these ridiculous and unfair press guidelines. In 3…2….1…..”.”
Will Hoge and Ryan Hurd responded to Paisley’s criticism, thanking him for speaking up. Separately Margo Price tweeted a joke on Thursday night, as did Ryan Adams with a tweet that mocked country music as a whole:
The 2017 CMA Awards will air live on ABC on Nov. 8. Taste of Country will be on the red carpet, live streaming with “Burning House” singer Cam as co-host.
The Most Iconic CMA Awards Wins Ever
See 10 Unforgettable Brad & Carrie Moments
This Article Was Originally Posted at www.TasteofCountry.com
http://tasteofcountry.com/cma-awards-lift-media-restrictions/
